While we might all fantasize about being Elle Woods—shocking the courtroom when we trick the suspect into confessing to a high-profile murder—the legal world isn’t quite as dramatic on a daily basis. Don’t forget the first hour of the movie where Elle learns that even someone as fabulous as her needs to put in some serious work and time to become a great lawyer (and it’s not cheap either!).
But Legally Blonde (and all those lesser movies) leave out the many other professionals who make the legal system function. So there’s room for you—even if you don’t want to go to law school or even work for a law firm or in the justice system.
I started working in law almost six years ago, when I used my customer service experience to transition to a legal assistant role at a small law firm. Later on, I joined a midsize law firm as a talent acquisition and professional development coordinator. I’ve screened resumes and onboarded a variety of legal professionals and seen firsthand what the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring process was like for these roles—so I’ve learned what sets some job applicants apart from others.
Read on to learn more about the types of legal jobs available for non-lawyers in law firms or other organizations as well as some of the skills you’ll need across jobs.
Skills you’ll need to succeed in law-related roles
Working in law typically means you have to be on top of competing priorities, collaborate with attorneys and clients during legal proceedings, and/or ensure that all applicable rules and regulations are being followed throughout any process. It can be stressful and require you to meet strict deadlines and handle heavy work loads. In order to succeed, you’ll need the following skills:
- Attention to detail: Being aware of the small—but still important—points is crucial. You may be asked to keep track of the schedules for deadlines and hearings (a missed deadline can mean losing a lawsuit or an important client) and produce legal documents—which must be error-free and follow specific formatting guidelines. In many professions, you’ll also have to keep on top of current standards and regulations on the federal, state, and/or local levels.
- Communication: You should be a solid writer in order to correspond with clients and opposing counsel, as well as create different reports and legal documents. You may be asked to draft pleadings, memos, or statements. In addition, you need to demonstrate tact and discretion when speaking with clients over the phone and face-to-face or collaborating with your colleagues.
- Organization: In addition to keeping a calendar, you may need to organize digital and physical files. You must also be comfortable keeping track of several projects at a time and changing direction quickly.
- Computer literacy: A job in law requires you to use computers to create documents and spreadsheets or navigate databases. In some jobs, you may even be editing photos or conducting social media research. If you’re not familiar with a program your employer uses, you’ll need to be comfortable learning.
With those skills in mind, here are 10 jobs you can land in law without a law degree, along with what each job entails and salary info.
